Hospitality

• Christians should take care of those in need  (Matthew 25: 34-40)-Then the King will say to those on the right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me."  Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty, and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?"  And the King will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" 

What this passage is referring to is that the body of Christ should be a blessing to those that do not have a place of worship, where they can eat the word of God, the gospel which is food to their souls, because there are many starving souls in the world that do not have a Church to go to where they can congregate, and worship God.  We should invite them to our Churches so they can worship the living God there, and nourish their souls with God's word.  We should be ministering to the needy souls out there.  Even if they are strangers we should show hospitality not only in material things, but, in the congregation of the righteous.  We should be welcoming them to worship along with our spiritual family.  We should correct them when we know they are living in error, if they are out of the word, and God's command and show them how to live righteously, and reverently before the living God.  Spiritually naked people often living in sin, whether it is fornication (unwed sexual relationships), or adultery-(sexual relationships with someone already married) these people need spiritual clothing so that the living God can see them properly clothed.  If they are living out of order, God sees them as naked.  We the Church should help them to see this is sinful, and not fitting before God's eyes, and help to guide them to correct these errors.  The same is to those souls that are spiritually sick.  Being spiritually ill can be anything from living an ungodly life, to practicing things that are seen by God as abomination, or horrendous, like hatred, anger, witchcraft, anything out of spiritual order.  Being unforgiving, is considered a spiritual illness.  We should be carefully helping people to put away these things.

• Hospitality brings heavenly reward (Mark 9: 41)-If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I assure you, that person will be rewarded.

What this verse means is not only if someone gives you an actual glass of water, they will be rewarded, but, if you go to a strange town, or anywhere and come across the body of Christ (the Church) and they  recognize that you are also God's child, are hospitable, receive you in their home/Church- give you the word, the truth, they preach to you, they teach and instruct you (lead by the Holy Spirit) and show you how to live, then the Lord will reward them in heaven.  

• Christians should be hospitable (Romans 12: 13)-When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out.  And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.  

There are missionaries that travel on God's command.  They are given instruction and guidance to travel to and from other countries and states.  Their mission is to preach and teach the gospel to people in need all over the world.  These missionaries are traveling by faith.  The Lord has given them faith to do so.  So we, his Church must receive them freely knowing and trusting that God is in control of everything.  Many times, they may not have the means to cover hotel/lodging or food.  But the Church should be able to help them out for a night or so to ensure that God's will is carried out.  And God will bless you for blessing them.  You will have reward, joy, and peace knowing you have done what God has commanded, and be blessed in all you do.  Not only are God's children in need of food and lodging, sometimes they are going through something, and need to hear a word of hope.  A blessing through God's body throughout the world to shed light on a dark situation, or give hope in a struggle, trial they are going through, or tribulation.  Be a blessing in any way you can.  

• Christians should be hospitable to people that they do not know well (Hebrews 13: 2)-Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

Be welcoming to people unknown to you, in your home, your Church, and in your community.  You should be hospitable, offering whatever you can to assist even if you personally do not know them, since, they can be God's messengers/angels, and you can bless God when you bless others.  Trust in God and welcome strangers.  You can show a wonderful lesson and example to others in doing so.

• Be cheerful about being hospitable (1 Peter 4: 9-11)-Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or place to stay.  God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.  Are you called to be a speaker?  Then speak as though God himself was speaking through you.  Are you called to help others?  Do it with all strength and energy that God supplies.  Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ.  All glory and power belong to him forever and ever.  Amen.

We should be glad to share our home with those in need of food and lodging.  God has granted us the ability to do this in confidence when they are sent by Him in faith.  We should be very confident and generous in this because it is a gift from God to be this way.  And according to our gift, we should exercise them in a way that reflects God.  If we are called to do something we should do it with all our hearts, strength and ability.  And people will see this example, and give God glory for it.  They will know that it was God himself that sent you.  We can do nothing apart from God.  So the glory is His and His only forever and evermore.  Amen.

• Hospitality reflects God's love (3 John 1: 5-8)-Dear friend, you are doing a good work for God when you take care of the traveling teachers who are passing through, even though they are strangers to you.  They have told the Church here of your friendship and your loving deeds.  You do well to send them on their way in a manner that pleases God. For they are traveling for the Lord and accept nothing from those who are not Christians.  So we ourselves should support them so that we may become partners with them for the truth.  

We need to know that we are doing God's will when helping other Christians that are traveling on God's missions.  Even when we do not know who they are.  We can be sure that they are testifying of God's love shown through your hospitality and actions.  This is what pleases God.  And they are not to accept from just anyone, only from God's body.  Their travel is through God.  Their blessings should come from God's people.  And they are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  And our future support when visiting their hometowns.  We must all work together.  Until the next study, be blessed, and be a blessing to others.  Amen.